Dubai set for WBC Middle East world title bout at Purse on the Palm

DUBAI: Dubai will host Purse on the Palm on Sept. 20, with the main event featuring a WBC Middle East title bout and a prize fighter tournament where the winner will walk away with almost $5,500.

The event, staged by Grassroots Boxing, takes place at W Dubai and features a card that includes established fighters as well emerging talent from the region.

In the night’s main event, for the WBC Middle East title, the UK’s Anees Taj (10-5) takes on Egypt’s Wagdy Attia (12-2) in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Taj, 29, goes into the bout having won his past three fights, most recently against compatriot Phil Williams in November 2024.

Attia, meanwhile, has lost just once in his previous nine encounters, with the 30-year-old overcoming fellow countryman, Mohamed Gaabary, last time out.

Jamie Cormack, head of Grassroots Boxing, said: “Purse on the Palm is set to be an electrifying new addition to the boxing calendar, an experience that brings together die-hard fans and casual spectators for a Saturday filled with sport and entertainment.

“Unlike traditional fight nights, the action kicks off in the afternoon, with guests able to enjoy premium brunch packages as the bouts unfold.

“The WBC Middle East title clash between Anees Taj and Wagdy Attia is not to be missed, while the high-stakes prize fighter tournament, with cash on the line, will have the crowd on the edge of their seats from the first bell.”

The card will also feature unbeaten Dubai-based fighter Mikael Husain (8-0), backed by Hamza Sheeraz, who achieved a victory over Edgar Berlanga in New York recently.

Sheeraz will be at Purse on the Palm, along with world champion Jazza Dickens, who produced a career-best performance to stun Albert Batyrgaziev